From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has warned against any form of complacency in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), stressing that such experience can be disastrous to the herd immunity of Nigerians.
The First Lady dropped the warning at the opening ceremony of the 2024 National TB Conference in Abuja on the theme “Public-Private Partnership and Integrated Service Delivery: Panacea to End TB in Nigeria.”
She appreciated the organisers of the conference for such a platform to share experiences and knowledge and recommit to the common goal of ending TB by 2030. “The discussions, the partnerships, and the strategies that will emerge from this conference will serve as a foundation for the actions we must take in the coming years,” she said.
As Global and National TB Champion, the First Lady said she has lost someone close to her to TB years ago, and that experience changed her perception of the disease, hence the renewed commitment, financially and otherwise, to the fight against TB.
She added, “TB is still a leading cause of death in Nigeria, which ranks as the sixth highest burden country across the world and first in Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Global TB Report 2024 also revealed that Nigeria recorded approximately 467,000 TB cases in 2023.
“Despite these challenges, I am encouraged by the progress that has been made so far, thanks to the commitment of the Tinubu administration, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, and international partners. Subsequently, we have seen a steady increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB.”
She appreciated health workers, community leaders, activists, and TB survivors who are tirelessly working on the frontlines, describing them as the true heroes of the TB fight.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in his remarks, confirmed that Nigeria has adopted global best practices to accelerate the fight against TB, considering the 2030 global target to end TB.
He said, “While Nigeria has made significant strides as regards the TB response, there’s more ground to cover. One of our key strategies was the launch of the private sector TB initiative in July 2024, in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria. The initiative has mobilised resources to strengthen TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
“Through this initiative, the Nigerian private sector has committed up to $25 million over time to support TB-related activities. Private sector engagement is critical, as these organisations employ large numbers of workers in industries such as banking, oil and gas, cement production, and telecommunications.”
He appreciated the First Lady being the global and national TB champion for her support, financially and otherwise, towards TB response in Nigeria. “We are particularly inspired by your personal investment in this cause.
“The money you donated earlier this year has been used judiciously to procure more TB diagnostic tools, which would help to increase TB diagnosis and case finding.”
WHO Country Representative Walter Kazadi Mulombo, in his remarks, said, “With just six years left to achieve the 2030 target to end the TB epidemic, urgent and bold actions are needed.
“We must prioritise inclusive strategies that address the needs of all population groups and ensure adequate funding. Strengthening primary healthcare and community-based TB care will be crucial in identifying and treating every TB case.
“Also, investments in innovative technologies, such as next-generation diagnostics, genomic sequencing, and shorter, more effective treatment regimens, are essential in accelerating progress,” he suggested.
Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, Ag. Board Chairman, Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, in her welcome remarks, said the conference has become an important intervention to afford the stakeholders the opportunity to have a discussion on TB vis-à-vis improving ways of response.
There were renewed commitments from the Director General, Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya; TB survivors; and several other stakeholders.